Route 424 Expansion Project

The Route 424, Section 390 project involves an extension of Route 424, commonly referred to as the Hazleton Beltway, from the Interstate 81 Exit 141 Interchange to Humboldt Industrial Park (HIP) in Hazle Township, Luzerne County.

The approximately 1.1-mile long extension will involve the construction of a four-lane roadway from the current termination of the beltway just west of Interstate 81 to Commerce Drive. The roadway will require an at-grade railroad crossing and provide access to the White Birch Road extension directly south of the railroad. Traffic will proceed onto Commerce Drive, Forest Road, and this newly-constructed White Birch Road, a two-lane road to Maplewood Drive, which connects to Route 924. Turning lanes will be added to the intersections of Route 424 and Interstate 81 northbound ramps, Route 424 and Interstate 81 southbound ramps, Route 424 and Commerce Drive, and Commerce Drive and Forest Road. This extension will ultimately connect the Hazleton Beltway to Route 924 west of Interstate 81, utilizing HIP’s existing roadway network.

There are two existing bridges over Interstate 81 within the project limits, Route 424 at Interchange 141. The existing bridges are 60’ wide and striped for three  lanes. To facilitate five lanes, the existing bridge cross slopes will be modified to move the profile grade point and the lanes restriped. This will be done with a latex modified concrete overlay (LMCO) of the existing bridge decks. The proposed typical section will result in five  11’-0” lanes with two (2) 2’-6” shoulders.

Modifications to the bridge approach slab will also be necessary. The existing approach slab width is designed to match the current travel lane width on the bridges. With the addition of lanes, the proposed roadway will require wider approach slabs. Approach shoulders will also be modified to concrete and flared to match the radius of the intersection. Three bio retention basins will be used to control storm water volume throughout the project. The overall project length of 1.771 miles (9,350 linear feet) plus Ramps and Township Roads as indicated on the approved drawings included in the bid package.

The project is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2023.

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